I completely understand that Apple is acting to protect the vast majority of its users, users who have no idea what Java is or even if they have it installed.

But shouldn't they also have an option for users who know the risks but want Java anyway, an option to allow the installation of the plugin?

Good for you Apple. May it go the ways Flash is going. Or has, I actually don't know.

Not Apple's style (to allow workarounds). Not judging whether that's good or bad. As an individual user I'd like the option but as an IT administrator responsible for Windows computers I see the challenges everyday of trying to walk people through workarounds and then fixes for their workarounds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddawson100 

Not Apple's style (to allow workarounds). Not judging whether that's good or bad. As an individual user I'd like the option but as an IT administrator responsible for Windows computers I see the challenges everyday of trying to walk people through workarounds and then fixes for their workarounds.

Can't you install the needed plug-ins yourself? Or has Apple now completely disallowed it on OS altogether?

I think the disallow list only works for certain browsers, the workaround is to use a third party browser.

I know Apple is looking out for us, but for some instances its kind of a pain in the ass that they keep disabling Java. I work in a school and were doing student assessment state testing and the program is Java based. It creates major havoc as testing has to go on right now. This isn't something that can be delayed just because there's an exploit.

I'm going to assume I can just use ARD to re-enable it through a Unix command.

If these is really the runtime (JRE), this is very bad news. If it is the crappy plugin, it is quite good news.

In the first case, we can safely predict that very soon, Mac as well as Windows will only allow you to run Apple-signed software. Great.
I can't say how unhappy I would be to see these developments.

This really sucks for schools lots of online skill building software such as Reading Plus is written in java. Yes, these programs are never pretty but they are cross-platform and they generally achieve their educational objectives, school teachers have enough challenges Apple, in the words of Tracy Morgan "FIX IT", and stop playing corporate politics with kids.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightknight 

If these is really the runtime (JRE), this is very bad news. If it is the crappy plugin, it is quite good news.

In the first case, we can safely predict that very soon, Mac as well as Windows will only allow you to run Apple-signed software. Great.
I can't say how unhappy I would be to see these developments.

It's only the plugin, you can put your tinfoil hat and pitchforks away.  

If Apple completely disabled Java you would hear the cries many many kids as they found out that Minecraft no longer works on their Macs.  As I can tell by looking around my own house, that is most certainly not the case.

Folks, this only affects the Java browser plug-in and only in Safari.

Stand-alone Java still works fine for those of that persuasion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddawson100 

Not Apple's style (to allow workarounds). Not judging whether that's good or bad. As an individual user I'd like the option but as an IT administrator responsible for Windows computers I see the challenges everyday of trying to walk people through workarounds and then fixes for their workarounds.

The "workaround" is to simply use a different browser than Safari.  Easy peasy.